Easley Chamber Newsboard

President’s Corner – January 2012

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Easley Chamber of Commerce

New Year 2012

I am encouraged with the increase in business activity in our area. In the last six months, five (5) new manufacturing companies with the potential for 550 new jobs have announced expansion in Pickens County. This speaks well for Alliance Pickens County and our county council who are aggressive in bringing jobs to our area. I want commend our existing businesses for learning to operate lean and weathering the storm.

The Easley Town Center continues to expand the retail sector and new businesses will be announcing soon in that area.

Improves every year

The 64th annual Chamber awards banquet and gala will be held at the Tri County Technical College Easley Campus on February 18, 2012. The banquet committee is working hard to continuously improve an already special event that gets better each year. Michael Cogdill, anchor newscaster of WYFF will be the speaker at this event. We will present awards for business of the year, citizen of the year, ambassador of the year, and director of the year.

Sponsorships are now being taken. I invite your business to be a part of one of the best banquets for food, décor, entertainment and networking in the county. Call the chamber office 859-2693 to reserve your table and sponsorship.

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January 2012 Chamber Notes

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Easley Chamber of Commerce

Many Thanks to the Greenville News for Supplying our Chamber Notes

January 2012 Chamber Notes Now Online:

CLICK HERE to view, download, or print the entire Greenville News January 2012 Easley Chamber News as a PDF file

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January 2012 Calendar of Events

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Easley Chamber of Commerce

January 2 – CLOSED for New Year’s Holidays
Wednesday, January 4 – 2:00 pm Ribbon Cutting, Supercuts, Easley Town Center, 128 Rolling Hills Circle, Unit C, Easley, 255-4411.
Thursday, January 5 – 10:00 am Business of the Month, Kelly’s Family Pharmacy,704 Brushy Creek Drive, Easley.
Tuesday, January 10 – 8:30 am Ambassadors Meeting
Wednesday, January 11 – 7:30 am – 9:00 am Excellence in Business Series held at Maximum Potential Training, 900 East Main Street, Suite BB, Easley. Continental breakfast served. Kurt Restine, DCS Associates, Business Tax Preparation. $10.00 session
Tuesday, January 17 – 8:00 am Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, January 19 – 11:45-1:00 pm 3^rd Thursday Luncheon Meeting held at Dunburks Premier Events, 110 South Pendleton Street, Easley. John Cessarich of WYFF will be guest speaker. RSVP to the Easley Chamber by January 18, 859-2693. Cost $15.00 for members, $18.00 for non-members.
Thursday, January 26 – 12:00-1:00 pm Powdersville Luncheon Meeting at Powdersville Library (4 Civic Court). Speaker is Will Merritt. Call to make reservations by January 25, 859-2693. Cost $15.00 for members, $18.00 for non-members.

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HOMESMART Holds Ribbon Cutting

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Easley Chamber of Commerce

From left Nancy Burgess (AXA Advisors), Kent Dykes (Pres. Easley Chamber), Dan Bandy (Regional Mgr. HOMESMART), Bill Cheek (Store Manager HOMESMART), Mayor Larry Bagwell, Steven Lambright (Miracle Hill) and Ty Carey (Jackson Stanley Realtors)

HOMESMART, a retailer specializing in affordable and flexible rental purchase options for furniture, appliances and electronics held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Easley Chamber of Commerce at the new Easley location on 5155 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, 850-2770. Visit their website at www.shophomesmart.com.

HOMESMART is a new concept that has experienced robust growth since it was launched late in 2010, and now has 56 stores open with plans to open approximately 10 more by the end of 2011. For cash or credit-constrained consumers, HOMESMART offers customers weekly or monthly payment lease agreements for products including computers, televisions, refrigerators and sofas. “Our new HOMESMART store brings the concept of affordable rental furniture, electronics and appliances to the residents of Easley and surrounding communities,” said Bill Cheek, general manager of the Easley HOMESMART store.

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Manufacturers’ Luncheon at Fatz Café sponsored by Palmetto Finishing

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Easley Chamber of Commerce

Photo: left to right: Ron Webber, Pickens County School District, Richard Parker, Tri County Technical College

The Easley Chamber of Commerce had its quarterly Manufacturers’ Luncheon at Fatz Café in December. It was sponsored by the Palmetto Finishing Company. The meeting was lead by the council chairman Mike Kingsmore.

Two speakers gave important information to managers from area manufacturers attending. Richard Parker, training director, from Tri County Technical College explained tax credits of up to $1500 from the state for apprenticeships in manufacturing.

Ron Webber, coordinator of career and technical education, from the Pickens County School District spoke on a business/education committee being formed in the county. Its purpose will be to advise to school district administration what businesses need from the education system so we can better prepare students for graduation and the job world. Ron requested representation from the manufacturers for this committee.

The next meeting will be March 15, 2012 and will be hosted by the new Pickens County Career and Technology Center. Dr. Leonard Williams will speak along with students and provide tours of the new facility. The lunch will be provided by the culinary department of the Center.

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64th Annual Awards Banquet and Gala

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Easley Chamber of Commerce

Michael Cogdill

The Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce 64th Annual Awards Banquet and Gala will be held at Tri County Technical College, Easley campus, on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Black tie is encouraged. There will be a cash bar and social hour beginning at 6:00 PM. The grand buffet will begin at 7:00 PM. Michael Cogdill of WYFF will be the Master of Ceremonies and speaker.

We are offering again this year sponsorship opportunities for members. Sponsorships will include your company’s name recognized on the table, in the program, in the Chamber News, on front page of www.easleychamber.org, on our Facebook page and announced at the Gala.

Sponsorship Levels

Platinum- $1000, Entire table of eight (8) attendees. 12 Month business card ad on the website.
Gold- $550, Preferred seating for four (4) attendees. 6 Month business card ad on the website.
Silver- $300, Preferred seating for two (2) attendees

Download Sponsorship Form>>>

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December 2011 Business of the Month

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Easley Chamber of Commerce

Pictured from left areRyan Kouvolo(Max PT), Jim Wilson (EDI), Grace Gibson, Eric Carnell (BB&T), Alfred Robinson, Dorothy Boroughs, Steven Lambright (Miracle Hill), Pam Martin,Kent Dykes(President Easley Chamber) and David Snyder (Merrill Lynch)

The board of directors of the Easley Chamber of Commerce selected Robinson Company located at 215 W. Main Street in Easley to be the Business of the Month for December. Robinson’s is one of the oldest members of the Easley Chamber having helped start the Easley Chamber after WWII in 1947. Mr. W.A. Robinson was a director on this first board and the chamber office was located in a room above Robinson’s.

Robinson Company is the #1 specialty store in North America for Jim’s Formal wear rentals. Robinson’s was the sponsor for Hospice of the Upstate fashion show fundraiser held on November 9 atBrushyCreekBaptistChurch. Robinson’s also contributed gift certificates for the recent Boy Scout auction fundraiser, as well as being a long time sponsor of the Easley Greenwave Program.

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December 2011 Business Before Hours

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Easley Chamber of Commerce

Shown in the center is Vicki Ciplickas, owner of The Starving Artist Café, and Chamber members enjoying the food she prepared.

The Starving Artist Café, located at 114 NW Main St, Easley, was the host of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce “Business before Hours” on December 8th. Owner Vicki Ciplickas told the crowd she is celebrating six months in business in downtown Easley.

Easley Chamber members had a chance to network and sample some great favorites of Vicki’s clientele. Vicki spoke briefly to the group about the café’s short history and the success she is having at the restaurant, as well as catering for various meetings and businesses. A business card drawing was held and gift certificates were awarded to Brett Robinson of SunTrust and Louise Kay of WMUU. The Starving Artist Café can be reached at 644-8450.

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President’s Corner – December 2011

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Easley Chamber of Commerce

Good Year

2011 has been a better year with a slow recovery. Unemployment in the county is still high but the forecast is good. Efforts from Alliance Pickens County have caused five (5) new companies to relocate or expand in our area. They recognize our county as business friendly, having a great workforce, superior education system, strong career centers and Tri County Technical College. Your Easley Chamber of Commerce has increased membership by 3% to 440 members in 2011.

Membership retention is improving and we have recently made changes to have more contact with membership through increased director and ambassador participation. We had eight (8) business seminars this year to help small businesses. We created a “How to do Business in Easley” brochure for new startup businesses in the city. We are working with others on a business incubator for startups that will come together in 2012. Our website www.easleychamber.org continues to be strong averaging 350 visits/day which is an increase from 336 visits/day in 2010. Easley Chamber Facebook continues to grow with new fans weekly. Financially, your chamber met its annual budget with a slight surplus due to your membership investments and good cost control.

We wish for you a Merry Christmas

As we are in the Christmas season, remember this is the birthday of Jesus Christ. That is the reason for this wonderful time of the year. As you greet people, consider “Merry Christmas” rather than “Happy Holidays”. Keep your family, friends, and church in your mind at this time of the year. Best wishes and Merry Christmas from Fran, Mary, Jean, and Kent.